EFL manager left disgusted by 'horrific' abuse in modern football

Walsall manager Dean Keates has a word with referee John Busby at the final whistle following the Sky Bet League One match at Plymouth Argyle - Photo: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK

Sign up to FREE email alerts from PlymouthLive - Inside Home Park

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Walsall manager Dean Keates has spoken out about what he perceives to be an increasing problem in modern football - online abuse through social media.

The Saddlers were beaten 2-1 by Plymouth Argyle in midweek and that defeat extended their poor run of form to one win in nine games. Angry fans made their feelings clear on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, much to the dismay of Keates.

The 40-year-old boss called some of the things written 'horrific' and praised his players for the way in which they have dealt with such heavy online abuse.

We are at a point now in football where everything gets dissected and a lot of things get written and said,” Keates said.

“There is that social media platform now and if I’m honest it’s horrific some of the things that have been said about the players.

“They have to cope with that and they have to manage that.

“But every week they go out and give everything. They are an honest bunch, they always leave everything out there.”

Read More

Related Articles

The Football Association has called on the police and social media companies to help shut down online abuse after the England and Chelsea midfielder Karen Carney was subjected to sickening threats in October 2018.

Phil Neville, the England Women manager, pointed out the abuse Carney had received, sharing an Instagram post which wished “cancer, leukaemia and rape” on the 133-cap player.

The FA is backing Neville and has demanded action. “We are appalled and dismayed by the abuse directed towards Karen Carney on social media,” a statement read.

Read More

Related Articles

“The FA takes such matters extremely seriously and we are offering our full support to Karen. The abuse of players on social networking sites is a serious concern and we call on the police and social media organisations to do everything they can to help tackle this growing problem.

“We provide all our senior England players with training, guidance and support on the use of social media and treat our duty of care in this regard with the utmost importance.”